EAST LANSING- With the U.S. presidential election quickly approaching, Michigan State Athletics is forming a partnership with the Michigan Department of State and the East Lansing City Clerk’s office to encourage voter participation among the Spartan’ community during the upcoming election season. 

“One of my main goals for our student-athletes is to help them make a positive impact on the community during their time here on campus, said MSU Athletic Director Bill Beekman. “There is nothing more essential to our civic responsibility as citizens of this great country than to exercise our right to vote. Partnering with the Michigan Department of State and other election officials is a great opportunity for our student-athletes and staff to engage in the democratic process and encourage other students on campus to also take part in voting this November. Voting is the ultimate manner to let one’s voice be heard and an impactful way to make an active role in shaping the community and society in which you live.”

Jocelyn Benson, the Secretary of State for Michigan, was quoted as saying that “I am grateful to the entire MSU Athletics department for their willingness to be leaders, on campus and in the college community, in the efforts to increase voter participating and turnout.  This partnership will provide another important opportunity to help ensure voters know their rights and how to exercise them this November.”

As part of the collaboration effort between Michigan State and the Secretary of State’s office, virtual early town hall meetings will be held by MSU Athletics and other Michigan State campus organizations in September and October. Questions about registering to vote, as well as other voting-related inquiries, can be answered at these meetings. 

Between October and Nov. 3, East Lansing City Clerk Jennifer Shuster will host a satellite voting location where any eligible East Lansing voter can register and vote on site.  Various members of the athletic community, including coaches, players and teams, will be featured in various PSA videos and infographics dealing with voter education as the election season draws closer.